Users Seek Missions For Unmanned Ground Vehicles

A decade of counterinsurgency operations has boosted interest in unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) of all kinds, although real-world operational uses have been limited. UGVs have been widely used, for example, for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). Since the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's first Grand Challenge for driverless vehicles in 2004, UGVs have been gaining attention. (Read more)

Always Watching: The IDF Unmanned Ground Vehicle

The border with Gaza is one of Israel’s most tense regions. Snipers, anti-tank missiles and explosives threaten IDF soldiers whose job it is to patrol the security fence on the border.

To counter these threats, the IDF has introduced the Guardium Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), which patrols the Gaza fence around the clock.

(Read more)

Oshkosh TerraMax

TerraMax is a versatile unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technology developed by Oshkosh Defense.

The UGV technology allows the armed forces to operate their combat vehicles in full autonomous mode, and the TerraMax UGV avoids the deployment of soldiers in IED (improvised explosive device) threat environments increasing performance in autonomous operations.

TerraMax is developed by Oshkosh in cooperation with Rockwell Collins and the University of Parmay. The modular kit of TerraMax is designed to be integrated into any tactical wheeled vehicle. The UGV suite consists of command zone electronics and a sensor suite incorporating a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) system, vision, navigation and an advanced operator control unit (OCU).

Hardware components of TerraMax are well placed in the vehicle to complement the combat requirements of soldiers, while maintaining the utility of the vehicle. The TerraMax UGV technology is fully incorporated into the brakes, steering, engine and transmission, to enable advanced driver assist systems. The TerraMax mounted ground vehicles can be operated fully autonomously in any position in the convoy, or semi-autonomously to follow the path of the lead vehicle.

TerraMax UGV technology is integrated with a multimodal sensor suite consisting of a high definition LIDAR system, a wide dynamic range camera, a short wave infrared camera, four situational awareness cameras, 12 short range radar systems and three long range radar systems. The vehicle mounted with TerraMax UGV technology is autonomously controlled by an operator control unit (OCU).The rugged OCU allows a single operator to control one or more UGVs. The operator can control an UGV with infrequent monitoring of the unit.

(Read more)

Nutaq: FPGA and SDR technologies for next-generation UGVs

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) is a massively growing area in the defense sector. For that application, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are being used more and more instead of conventional processors because of the demanding real-time processing capabilities required (e.g. Detect And Avoid systems - DAA ).

Another area where FPGAs truly shine is in the communication systems for these vehicles. Multi-band, frequency-agile,  cognitive radio, anti-jamming, custom OFDM waveforms, interference suppression – these are all being considered. At the same time, there is the challenge of reducing latency while maximizing data throughput. For example, decisions must be made quickly, vision systems must transmit better image quality, etc.

The costs of these systems must also be considered. Existing systems are equipped with multiple radios, each with its own purpose. A software-defined radio (SDR) can combine all the communication systems into one, with configurable hardware device, thus reducing system and maintenance costs. Lastly, data security and encryption techniques are also a real challenge. Defense communication systems must be designed to be as secure as possible – break-ins from enemies aren’t acceptable on the battlefield. To combat this,  custom and unique waveform modulation techniques combined with deep encryption techniques are used. One can’t just re-use an existing standard wireless protocol and package it into these devices as it would be too easy to crack.

Nutaq's FPGA-based SDR systems like the PicoSDR and the ZeptoSDR are well-equipped to help defense research centers accelerate the development of new waveform standards. Both systems include an FPGA-based SISO/MIMO OFDM PHY layer reference design, allowing for wireless real-time video transmission between two RF nodes with a QAM64 modulation and easy customization. With the PicoSDR platform, users have the ability (if required) to program the FPGA from within the well-known Simulink graphical environment, which accelerates and drastically simplifies FPGA simulation and the deployment of wireless applications. Lastly, both SDR systems are completely integrated with the popular GNU Radio toolkit. Both systems offer embedded processor options (ARM-based or i7-based) to install and run GNU Radio. Additionally, both systems enable a remote host PC to access radios as peripherals from the GNU Radio environment.

iRobot 110 FirstLook

The iRobot 110 FirstLook is a compact, rugged and expandable lightweight unmanned ground vehicle that provides immediate situational awareness, performs persistent observation for more than 6 hours, and investigates and manipulates dangerous and hazardous materials while keeping the operator out of harm’s way.

MADSS: Just for War

The MADSS — Mobile Armed Dismount Support System — tracks and fires on targets only once it gets the green light. Modular, can be fit with a wide array of weaponry.  Capable of serving multiple roles depending on how it’s equipped, the MADSS is also a load-bearer. 

(Read more)

cmRobot Element

The Element UGV is a rugged all-terrain UGV platform with on-board computer, GPS, high definition PTZ IP camera, range finder and WIFI connectivity. A high penetration 900 MHz data radio is also available.

This UGV  is designed for indoor and outdoor operation requiring zero turning radius and fast maneuverability.  Six powerful motors drive it, one for each wheel. It is rugged, lightweight, fast, compact and weather resistant.

The Element UGV allows you to:

• Process - complex autonomy, vision and artificial intelligence algorithms via a powerful and reliable embedded PC.
• See - via the integrated HD PTZ camera as well as the ultrasonic range finder. The PTZ camera supports multiple H.264 and MJPEG streams to multiple clients. Motion detection and audio detection are supported.
• Hear - sounds, voices and anything in-between via the integrated high fidelity microphone.
• Connect - with far away devices, other computers, controllers, tablets, PDAs, smart phones as well as other computer networks via WIFI.
• Navigate - with the integrated GPS and range finder.
• Create - your own robotics applications with the included Navigator .NET SDK and C# sample code

cmRobot Element UGV Specs

• Intel Atom 1.8 GHz Dual-Core CPU
• 1 GB RAM
• 8 GB high speed CF card
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 VGA port
• 1 I2C port
• 2 encoder ports
• 4 analog ports
• 1 SATA port
• 10 GPIO ports (six can be used for servo control)
• HD 720 30 FPS PTZ  IP camera
• Multiple MJPEG and H.264 streams Low noise microphone
• Indoor/outdoor six wheel drive
• WIFI 802.11g, 54 Mb/s with high gain antenna
• 20 channel GPS with external antenna
• 7 Ah battery with charger and 3 hour mission time
• Windows 7 Embedded 32-Bit
• .NET SDK, C# sample code and test utilities
• TCP/IP client/server serial port redirector
• Acronis True Image system recovery
• 90 days parts and labor warranty
• One year technical support

 

Physical Specs

• Length 19.5"
• Width 18"
• Height 6"
• Ground clearance 1.5"
• Weight 13 pounds

UGV models face off over firepower, load carrying

The U.S. Army is testing a variety of unmanned ground vehicles at Fort Benning, Ga., to see how well they can fire weapons and carry the load for a nine-man squad. Ten unmanned ground vehicles were assessed during the Oct. 7-10 tests, led by the Maneuver Center of Excellence’s battle lab. Three of the vehicles are designed solely to carry equipment and supplies, and the remaining seven are also capable of being fired remotely. (Read more)

Stingray Maritime Interdiction UGV System

The Stingray Nano Unmanned Vehicle System (NUGV) is ideal for maritime boarding actions and tactics, designed to capture enemy vessels, to combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling, and to conduct customs, safety and other inspections, as employed by modern navies, marine and maritime services, military and police forces.

Stingray is an ultra-light, small and stores in a standard daypack. The robot weighs under 4 pounds and is 9.5 inches long, 7.5 inches wide and 3.8 inches tall. Throw-able, can survive 16 ft. (5 m) foot drops onto concrete, rated to IP67 (submersible to 3.3 ft./ 1 m), and is neutrally buoyant. Operating efficiently in challenging conditions, the robot gets more than 2 hours of runtime on a typical mission and uses IR and Visible LED lights to enhance low light and no light situations. Also includes high intensity strobe light. This UGV can quickly be converted into a pole camera or tethered via the lifting eye for confined space operations.

Maneuverable in a variety of environments, Stingray climbs objects up to 3 inches high, turns in place, and has automatic video and control inversion when flipped over. Also, it has motion detection software enabling one of the two UGV to be used as a sentry while the other explores an area of interest.

System Features:

Tilt camera, 50 degree FOV, tilts +/-85 degrees.

IR and white LED lights.

COFDM video and FHSS telemetry links.

Transmission distances: LOS: 200 meters and NLOS: 150 meters.

Wheels an transition belt for improved mobility.

Duration: 2 hours full operating condition.

External payload capacity of 700g.

Extension Pole Attachment (convert UGV to a pole camera).

Top side high intensity strobe.

Built to withstand multiple 10 ft. (3 m) drops onto concrete.

Water and Dust proof to IP67.

Antenna housed within the lifting eye.

RS-232 interface for payloads.

System includes: two UGVs, one CDS, two extension poles, chargers, and case. 

Roboteam unveils tough UGV

Israeli unmanned ground vehicle manufacturer Roboteam has unveiled a new configuration of its Micro Tactical Ground Robot designed for harsh field conditions.

Designed for ISR, explosive ordnance disposal and other missions, the 16-pound MTGR is the lightest vehicle on market for its type, according to Roboteam. Carried by an individual soldier, the MTGR can negotiate obstacles and climb stairs.

The new MTGR will be displayed at the Israel Pavilion at the Association of the United States Army exposition Oct. 21-23 in Washington, D.C. Roboteam will also display its line of generic controllers that work with any unmanned system.

US Army set to open competition to develop Autonomous Mine Detection System (AMDS)

U.S. Army counter-mine experts say they plan to issue a formal solicitation before the end of October for full-scale development of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-mounted mine-detection system called the Autonomous Mine Detection System (AMDS). (Read more)

IAI Develops an Advanced Counter-Mine & IED UGV

Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Ramta’s Division is developing an unmanned ground penetrating radar sensor designed to detect deep buried and surface-laid mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The system designated Mines and IED Detection System (MIDS) has completed the last phase of engineering testing and have begun building a technology demonstrator.

An onboard IAI-manufactured electro-optic payload with day/night cameras will provide remote operators with situational awareness and enable visual surveillance from a safe distance. On-board navigation systems allow the vehicle to travel along a precise series of preprogrammed or operator designated waypoints and record and transmit the exact location of discovered threats.

MIDS will carry a remotely-operated weapon system slaved to the electro-optic payload for self-defense against enemy combatants or for detonating threats on the operator’s command. The system will also be equipped with a small dozer blade able to clear obstructions, and a lane-painting/marking system for designating both a safe path for following vehicles/troops and for outlining the location of discovered threats.

NASA's Polar Robotic Ranger passes first Greenland test

Defying 30 mph gusts and temperatures down to minus 22 F, NASA’s new polar rover recently demonstrated in Greenland that it could operate completely autonomously in one of Earth’s harshest environments.

Read more: http://www.nanowerk.com/news2/robotics/newsid=31231.php#ixzz2ZHYPHT5R

Brasil desplegará UGVs para proteger al Papa

 

Los iRobot PackBot formarán parte del dispositivo de custodia del Papa Francisco durante la JMJ.

 

 

El equipo cuenta con un excelente historial como herramienta para la detección y desactivación de explosivos pues ya suman mas de 2.000 unidades desplegadas en múltiples escenarios que van desde los atentados de Boston hasta el desastre de Fukushima, pasando por las guerras de Irak y Afganistán.

Alfa Bravo: Alta tecnología en UGVs

Alfa Bravo Servicios Aeronáuticos SL distribuye los sistemas terrestres no tripulados (UGV/SUGV) de mejores prestaciones en todo el mundo.

 

Probados en Zona de Operaciones y utilizados por Fuerzas Armadas y Agencias Policiales en más de 20 países, los sistemas comercializados por Alfa Bravo responden a todo tipo de requisitos y necesidades: desactivación de explosivos (EOD & IED), vigilancia, detección de amenazas NBQ, etc.

 

Su gama de UGVs abarca tres modelos: Talon, Dragon Runner y Kit Bobcat

 

 

Talon

UGV con plataforma modular, controlable desde un portátil mediante un gamepad. Ofrece una gran capacidad de cargas de pago, y puede ser transportado por una sola persona. Ha sido utilizado con éxito en Irak.

 

 

Dragon Runner

Es un UGV pequeño pero muy robusto, configurable en función de la misión (vigilancia / reconocimiento / desactivación). Ligero y fácilmente transportable, se usa con frecuencia para inspección de los bajos de vehículos.  

 

 

Kit Bobcat

Convierte cualquier sistema Bobcat en un UGV. Se instala en 15 minutos y se controla con un Joystick. Si bien su uso está más enfocado a tareas relacionadas con la agricultura, se utiliza tambien en el campo de batalla para limpiar de minas los caminos por los que han de transitar las tropas.

iRobot anuncia la venta de varios 510 PackBot a Brasil

iRobot suministrará el UGV 510 PackBot a Brasil bajo los términos de un contrato por valor de 7,2 millones de dólares para el suministro de varias unidades junto con sus repuestos y servicios de mantenimiento.

 

 

El P510 PackBot es un UGV adaptable, ampliable y modular, concebido para misiones militares. Puede subir escaleras, rodar sobre escombros y atravesar pasos estrechos, viajando a una velocidad de hasta 5,8 kilómetros por hora. Entre las misiones que pueden realizarse cabe destacar:

• Detección y eliminación de artefactos explosivos y materiales peligrosos
• Vigilancia y reconocimiento del terreno
• Inspección de vehículos
• Atención a víctimas de catástrofes

 

Frank Wilson, vicepresidente senior y gerente general de iRobot Defensa y Seguridad, ha comentado al respecto: "iRobot continúa su expansión internacional, y Brasil representa un mercado importante para los UGVs de la compañía. iRobot está encantada de proporcionar tecnología punta para este país que se prepara para acoger varios eventos internacionales de alto perfil, incluyendo la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud y la Copa Mundial de la FIFA."

Northrop Grumman CUTLASS

 

CUTLASS es un UGV de ultima generación diseñado, desarrollado y fabricado por Northrop Grumman para llevar a cabo operaciones EOD (Acrónimo de Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

 

 

El diseño

Su diseño de alta versatilidad permite la integración de una amplia gama de sensores, cargas de pago y otras herramientas para llevar a cabo cualquier operación requerida tanto para EOD como para otras aplicaciones. Su tecnología punta en combinación con un diseño modular permiten al usuario detectar y desactivar explosivos a distancia, con total seguridad. El brazo manipulador del CUTLASS incluye una garra de tres dedos y es capaz de replicar con fidelidad los movimientos de un brazo humano en espacios tan reducidos como el interior de un vehículo, asegurando al mismo tiempo un alto nivel de control para prevenir daños materiales y/o alteración de evidencias forenses. CUTLASS está diseñado para resistir todo tipo de climas, sin que le afecten lo más minimo las temperaturas extremas (desde -15°C hasta +60°C) ni las tormentas de arena, ni la lluvia, ni las vibraciónes ni incluso los golpes.

 

 

Carga de pago

En cuanto a la carga de pago, va equipado de serie con siete camaras a color, aunque está preparado para admitir otras cargas de pago e incluso armamento. El brazo manipulador puede levantar cargas de hasta 25 kg a máxima extensión, si bien para misiones de mayor envergadura este UGV puede ser equipado con un brazo de mayores prestaciones capaz de levantar cargas de hasta 100 kg.

 

 

Sistema de Control

CUTLASS cuenta con un sistema de control remoto inalámbrico capaz de permitir su manejo a 2,5 km de distancia, pudiendo ser controlado tambien mediante enlace de fibra óptica a una distancia de entre 220 m y 500 m. Las cámaras pueden ser controladas a través de una consola portátil o a través de una pantalla tactil de 21 pulgadas. Otros sensores adicionales usan un canal de datos exclusivo para via Ethernet para volcar datos al centro de mando.

 

 

Sistema de Propulsión

CUTLASS está propulsado por una batería de ion de litio de 42V, que permite hasta tres horas de manejo, en función de las características de la misión. La batería puede ser rápidamente cargada en sólo dos horas, y permite una óptima movilidad del CUTLASS tanto en superficies lisas como rugosas y en cualquier condicion atmosférica. El UGV puede moverse a velocidades reducidas para llevar a cabo operaciones delicadas, o acelerar hasta alcanzar 11 km/h cuando sea necesario. Puede salvar obstáculos/fosos de 30 centímetros de altura/profundidad, efectuar giros con un radio de 1.38 m., y subir escaleras a 38 grados de inclinación.

Mini-robot finds surprise in Mexico's ancient Temple of Quetzalcoatl

A diminutive robot helped researchers make a substantial discovery during preliminary tests conducted in a tunnel running under the Temple of Quetzalcoatl at the archaeological site of Teotihuacan. (Read more)

Watch DARPA's lifelike PETMAN robot test chemical warfare suit

 

The video shows the PETMAN robot, an eerily lifelike robot created by Boston Dynamics to test the performance of protective clothing designed for hazardous environments. PETMAN is undergoing initial testing in a chemical protection suit and gas mask. The purpose of designing a robot capable of executing lifelike movements is to test chemical warfare protective suits by reproducing how a soldier would likely stress the suit under various real-life situations. The developers test how the protective clothing reacts to the robot's movements when it is exposed to chemical warfare agents. (Read more)

Japan: Driverless car for the elderly people

 

Japanese engineering giant Hitachi have launched a self-driving car designed to pick up and drop off passengers automatically. The Robot for Personal Intelligent Transport System, or simply the Robits, is designed to use pavements and public footpaths instead of roads. The car has been designed to cater specifically for the elderly as well as disabled or less abled drivers. The futuristic car has distance sensors and a guidance system to help it avoid pedestrians and potholes, and to detect potential obstructions in its path. Equipped with GPS to transport a single passenger, the car can also be programmed to pick up and drop passengers automatically. y as well as disabled or less abled drivers.

 

BMW Pledges To Have Driverless Cars By 2020

BMW Group and Continental Automotive are collaborating to improve driver assistance systems, otherwise known as “highly automated driving.” The value of automated driving is becoming more apparent, particularly with mounting fuel and energy prices. The project is slated to run from the beginning of 2013 to the end of 2014. (Read more)

MEGITT MATS: UGV for CBRN threats

 

The Multi-Agent Tactical Sentry (MATS) Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) is an advanced UGV developed to evaluate and investigate CBRN threats. (Read more)

Navy Wants Odor-Sniffing Robot Swarms to Haul Bombs on Ships

For the Navy, the fully-autonomous follower robots will have to detect the chemical, use data encoded within it to identify the human-controlled robot as the leader, while detecting messages along at least three “channels”: including swarm formation; speed; and direction. (Read more)

China develops unmanned road vehicle

China’s Military Transportation University has developed a third-generation unmanned road vehicle with technology that could eventually be implemented for civilian-use (read more)

UV Light Emitting Machine Disinfects Hospital Rooms In Minutes

 

It’s a staggering modern-day irony that the most common complication for hospital patients is acquiring an infection during their visit, affecting 1 in 20 patients in the US. It’s a problem estimated to cause millions of infections with 100,000 or so leading to death per year and a whopping $45 billion annually in hospital costs. If this isn’t bad enough, the tragedies from deadly superbugs within healthcare facilities are on the rise and will likely continue as the last lines of antibiotics fail without any new drugs moving fast enough up the pipeline to help. Fortunately, an alternative to medication promises to vastly improve the disinfection of hospital rooms, thanks to a UV light-emitting robot from Xenex Healthcare. (Read more)

FDA clears InTouch’s tablet-controlled, self-driving telemedicine robot

The device is a 5-foot rolling robot with a camera and a tablet screen, allowing doctors to virtually consult with patients in situations when they can’t be in the hospital – for instance, allowing specialists to consult in rural hospitals on short notice. (Read more)

 

 

 

Audi gets Nevada's second autonomous vehicle license

 

Audi has become the second recipient –and the first auto manufacturer– of a license to allow it to test autonomous vehicles on Nevada’s public roads. (Read more)

 

UGVs para salvar vidas humanas

Dado que que los nuevos escenarios bélicos plantean amenazas específicas en contínua evolución, el Pentágono está llevando a cabo un ambicioso proyecto enfocado a la adquisición de robots y sistemas robotizados, diseñados exclusivamente para proteger y asegurar la supervivencia de las tropas en el campo de batalla.

 

El proyecto se subdivide en la actualidad bajo tres necesidades:

1. La protección perimetral
2. La protección frente a explosivos improvisados (IEDs - Improvised Explosive Devices)
3. La guerrilla urbana y subterránea

 

En lo que respecta a los IEDs, se está desarrollando un programa denominado Robot Ultra-Ligero de Reconocimiento (ULRR - Ultra-Light Recon Robot), bajo el cual se está equipando a las unidades de combate con ciertos robots que permiten anular IEDs. La competición está abierta, y todos los robots compitiendo para este programa estan ya en el punto de mira del Pentágono, incluyendo de manera preferente el SUGV de iRobot, el DragonRunner de QinetiQ, el MTGR de Roboteam y el Throwbot de Reconrobotics.

 

 

En lo que respecta a la protección perimetral, se trata de una necesidad bastante más compleja cuyo principal objetivo es mantener y aumentar el control de la situación en todo momento. Dado que esta necesidad requiere un nivel de alerta máximo y constante, el Pentágono es consciente de que encomendarla a seres humanos comporta un riesgo elevado: No se puede mantener un nivel de alerta máxima y constante. Por ello, los responsables militares están impulsando el desarrollo y adquisición de robots y sistemas robotizados que se encargan de ello, con el fin de proteger las vidas de los soldados y que éstos se encarguen exclusivamente de luchar. Más concretamente, los nuevos robots y sistemas robotizados que se están desplegando se encargan de complejas tareas entre las que cabe destacar la vigilancia perimetral, la activación de alarmas, e incluso la localización y seguimiento de todo tipo de fuentes de fuego de artillería: Desde cohetes y fuego de mortero hasta armas pequeñas y granadas propulsadas por cohetes. Tales robots están disponibles tanto en tamaños grandes, al objeto de abarcar amplios sectores vigilando en profundidad la zona enemiga, como en pequeños tamaños para servir de apoyo táctico móvil a los batallones, compañías y unidades más pequeñas.

 

 

Y en lo que respecta a la guerrilla urbana y subterránea, se trata de escenarios caracterizados por un elevado nivel de riesgo, en los que no basta con un chaleco antibalas para estar protegido, y en los que el enemigo nunca va uniformado. Frente a tales amenazas, contar con un sistema teledirigido es de vital importancia y para ello se está dotando a las tropas de pequeños robots respaldados por sistemas de posicionamiento global y redes inalámbricas MESH, que permiten avanzar a los soldados y tomar posiciones con absoluta seguridad.

Deshacer cambios

Deshacer cambios

Dok-Ing MV4 para desminado de caminos y carreteras

 

Durante los últimos años, el ejército de los Estados Unidos ha estado usando en Afganistan el UGV Dok-Ing MV4 con el objeto de llevar a cabo operaciones de limpieza de minas a lo largo de ciertas rutas de paso obligatorio de vehículos militares.

El sistema está producido por la empresa croata Dok-Ing, y hasta la fecha se han vendido ya mas de 100 unidades para su uso por parte de las fuerzas armadas de numerosos países en los cinco continentes. Además de en Afganistán, el MV4 ha demostrado su eficacia en Irak, Nicaragua y Sri-Lanka para hacer frente a explosivos improvisados (IEDs - Improvised Explosive Devices) y otros artefactos explosivos (bombas, granadas, etc.) que no estallaron cuando fueron lanzados (Un-Exploded Ordnance - UXO).

 

 

La tecnología que emplea el MV4 está basada en 34 herramientas dispuestas a lo largo de un eje rotatorio, que van golpeando constantemente el suelo con el fin de activar la detonación de explosivos ocultos. El vehículo posee una robusta coraza de planchas de acero, que protege el motor y los componentes vitales frente a la acción de todo tipo de minas, incluídas las minas anti tanque. Sus reducidas dimensiones permiten que el MV4 pueda ser utilizado en pequeños espacios tales como areas arboladas, huertas, orillas de ríos, patios de viviendas, etc.

 

 

Para hacer frente a distintos tipos de artefactos, el MV4 puede ser equipado con una amplia variedad de herramientas detonadoras (cañas, mayales, palas, rodillos, etc.) gracias a las cuales pueden llegar a detonarse aún las más pequeñas minas antipersona, permitiendo la limpieza de hasta 2.200 metros cuadrados de terreno por hora.

Robotic device allows remote employees to beam in to work

Technology watchers say these machines could be used for many purposes. They could let managers inspect overseas factories, salespeople greet customers, family members check on elderly relatives or art lovers to tour foreign museums. (Read more)